Bellingham, WA Census Data
The 12th largest city in Washington by population · 26 cities ranked
Bellingham is the 12th largest city in Washington by population and ranks 24th of 26 for median household income. With 92,367 residents, its poverty rate of 18.3% ranks among the higher rates in Washington. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
92,367
48.6% male · 51.4% female
Median Age
34.5
4.2 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$65,821
$12,717 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
46.5%
11.5% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 95.0%
Poverty Rate
18.3%
5.9% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 4.9%
Broadband Access
97.3%
7.6% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$577,400
Median rent: $1,478 · 45% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
Labor force participation: 61.8%
Per Capita Income
$35,677
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
5.3%
Disability rate: 13.3%
How Bellingham Compares to Other Washington Cities
Rankings among all 26 Washington cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 12th of 26 | Top half |
| Highest Median Income | 24th of 26 | Bottom 25% |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 26th of 26 | Bottom 25% |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 8th of 26 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 9th of 26 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Bellingham, WA Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bellingham, WA?
The population of Bellingham, WA is 92,367 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 34.5 years.
What is the median household income in Bellingham?
The median household income in Bellingham, WA is $65,821, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $35,677.
What is the poverty rate in Bellingham?
The poverty rate in Bellingham, WA is 18.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 4.9% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Bellingham residents have a college degree?
46.5% of adults (25+) in Bellingham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 95.0% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Bellingham?
The median home value in Bellingham, WA is $577,400. Median rent is $1,478 per month, with 45% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Bellingham?
Bellingham's population is 79.5% White, 1.2% Black, 10.0% Hispanic or Latino, and 5.4% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Bellingham rank among Washington cities?
Bellingham is the 12th largest city in Washington by population, the 24th highest for median household income, the 26th lowest for poverty rate, the 8th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 26 ranked Washington cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Bellingham?
The unemployment rate in Bellingham, WA is 5.6%, with a labor force participation rate of 61.8%. Per capita income is $35,677.
Cities Similar to Bellingham
Other Washington cities with comparable population and income levels.